"All About Adam" -- one year later!

It amazes me that this is the one year anniverary of Adam's blog (entry #157)! Writing a blog has been a wonderful & creative outlet for me and a great way to remember "the small things"... especially since I haven't really kept up with Adam's baby book (this is it!). Just for fun, here is a comparison list of Then (Feb. 2008) VS. Now (Feb. 2009):

Then:
The blog was called "Adventures in Adam Land" (my attempt at creativity)
Now:
The blog is called "All About Adam" (since it is... um... all about Adam... pun intended)! ;o)

Then:
Adam was 10.5 months old
Now:
Adam is 22.5 months old

Then:
Adam wore Pampers Swaddlers, Size 3. He wore size 6-12 month clothing but could still easily fit into 6-9 month or 9 month clothes.
Now:
Adam wears Pamper Swaddlers, Size 4. He wears size 2T shirts (he's skinny with a big buddha belly) and size 18-24 month pants. He can still wear some size 18 month pants/jeans -- depends on the brand (besides jeans, he can't fit into "The Children's Place" pants, regardless of the size. He fits into their shirts, pajamas and jeans perfectly, though. Go figure).

Then:
Adam crawled & cruised everywhere
Now:
Adam walks & runs everywhere

Then:
Adam's favorite thing was his doggy -- he only had one (the original Gund Spunky that he got as a present when he was born)
Now:
Adam's favorite things are his doggies -- he now has five Gund Spunky dogs, in all sizes as well as "White Doggy", "Grandma Doggy", "Other Baby Doggy", & "Brown Doggy". It's really hard for my mom and I not to buy Adam stuffed doggies when we see them since he truly lights up when he sees a dog... stuffed or real. :)

Then:
Adam drank about 30 oz. of Nutramigen formula in his "Born Free" bottles & 2 jars of baby food (if we were lucky) a day; possibly 1 "YoBaby" yogurt
Now:
Adam refuses to drink/eat all milk products (including yogurt) and prefers apple & orange juice instead. He eats any/all "table food" now (except for the milk products) with his favorites being fruit and muffins (or, as he says, "The Muffin Man").

Then:
Adam was enrolled in JW Tumbles class for babies on the move and BabyGarten at the library (a class full of songs and books).
Now:Adam is enrolled in Gymboree for tots on the move as well as a Gymboree art class that he *loves*. In the past year he has also been enrolled in several other classes. These include Rhyme, Rhythm & Tune class at the library and Lil Kickers soccer program.

Then:
Adam had 2 playgroups a week... Monday's group consisted of Tomas, Benjamin, Addie, Nathan, Asha & Rylie. Tuesday's group consisted of Caylee, Parker, Sean, Seth & Grace.
Now:
Adam still has his Tuesday playgroup... same kids with some new additions: Baby Darden (Parker's little bro), Baby Emma (Caylee's little sis) as well as Riley, Elizabeth, Joseph & Baby Michael, Gabriel & Baby Dakota. Wow... our wonderful group has grown!

Unfortunately, since I work on Mondays, it is very difficult to meet everyone for playgroup even though we try to have an additional playgroup on a Tu. or Th. afternoon at least once a month (as well as montly Mom Night Outs!). In that playgroup, Rylie has moved away (we still miss her!) and Baby Andrew (Asha's little brother) have also joined us. Coming soon in the next six weeks... Nathan and Addie's little brothers! Can't wait to meet them! :)

Then:
Adam had 8 teeth (4 on the top, 4 on the bottom)
Now:
Adam has all his teeth, up to the 2 year molars (I can't even count how many!)

Adam brushing all those teeth!

Then:
Adam was an expert in babbling. He said "da da" frequently but only as a sound. He also said "ma ma ma ma" when he wanted my attention but never just said the simple, 2syllable "mama". He also was repeating the words "doggy" and "ducky" occasionally when I said them.
Now:
Adam is Mr. Chatterbox! I lost count of how many words he knows months ago... he seems to have quite the memory so once he learns a word, he remembers it. He talks in 4 or 5 word sentences most of the time. Just today he was saying "I was scared" (when talking about his haircut)& "Dada going to work" amongst other things. Oh... on another note: "Mama" is definitely his favorite & most used word! :o)

Then:
Adam was very mischievious and got into everything... blinds, laundry, etc.
Now:
Adam continues to have that mischievious sparkle in his eye. He truly gets into EVERYTHING now... and I mean EVERYTHING. I have to watch him AT ALL TIMES. Let's just say that a certain DVD button was pulled off the DVD just this morning when my back was turned. When I turned around he gave me a huge grin and said "LOOK WHAT ADAM DID!!!" -- his favorite phrase, of course. He was quite proud of himself... quite proud. Steven & I... not so proud.

Then:
Adam was the most precious & amazing little love who I thanked G-d every day for.
Now:
Adam continues to be the most precious & amazing little love who I continue to thank G-d every day for.

Adam at 10.5 months -- Feb. 2008

Adam at 22.5 months -- Feb. 2009

I am also so thankful for YOU... family, friends (both "In Real Life" and in "Cyberspace") & fans of Adam... who continue to read this blog & leave wonderful comments... Thank You SO Much! XOXO

Haircut #2

We took Adam in to "Cartoon Cuts" for his 2nd haircut today. I kept putting it off, as the curls on the back of his head are SO cute. However, he was truly beginning to look like a ragamuffin. Waves and curls all over the place... a ragamuffin or a little surfer dude...! Anyway, he was excited going into the store for his "hair cuttt" but got a little nervous when he sat in the chair. The hairdresser asked if he could have a lollipop... uh, no... chocking hazard, lady, he's not even 2 yet (and I'm a little paranoid) so she gave him 3 hair clips to play with (he left the store with 2 of them. Oops).

The view from the front... BEFORE

The view from the back... BEFORE

He did okay during the haircut (and was a little intrigued) but did say "No Like It", "Almost done", "All done" (hint to the stylist, I guess) quite a few times and wasn't all that happy.

Intrigued

Adam's classic "NO LIKE IT!" look

"All Done!"

He kept his cool until the razor (?) came out and then he started to cry & move away. So we ended up only having one side of his "sideburns" shaved off. When we left the store, I asked him what had happened and he said:

"Haircut. I was scared"

How cool is that?!? We were amazed that he used that word (he's used it a few times before, but only after we've said that he was scared... we didn't use the word at all -- I don't think -- during the haircut).

The view from the front... AFTER

The view from the back... AFTER

Next, we rode the elevators a few time -- his favorite -- so all was good in Little Love's world again... and I love the haircut. He looks so handsome and so much older! :o)

Calling Grandma to tell her all about his new haircut!

22 Things -- 22 Months Old (Part TWO)

For items #1-11, please refer to the last post...

12. As well as Adam sleeps at home (and at Montessori), he refuses to sleep anywhere else (besides his car seat, but even that's occasional now). It's a huge problem at times. He can't spend the day at Grandma's house b/c he won't sleep in the crib at her house. It's also a big deal when we vacation. When we were in Chicago and in Palm Springs (our last 2 trips), Adam screamed/wailed/went ballistic when we put him in the crib. So we ended up sleeping on the floor with him both times. I've never let Adam sleep in our bed (well, there were a few naps in Palm Springs) b/c I'm too paranoid that I'll roll on top of him or he'll roll off. It's always been a fear of mine. Adam sleeps snug as a bug... as long as he's in OWN crib (with doggies, of course!).

13. A new favorite activity for Adam has been Gymboree. He gets so excited when we go there and yells "Gymboree" the whole time he's playing... including a sincere "Bye Bye, Gymboree" when we leave. On Tuesday afternoons, Adam attends the Open Gym class. He loves to climb up the ladders and go down the slides (stomach down... he always turns around to go down the slides). He also takes an art class there on Thursday morning. It's not cheap but I'm glad we're doing it since Adam is enthralled with the class. However, he likes to do things *his way* so his projects never turn out the way they're supposed to. For example, this week the kids were directed to paint a pocket and then make tissue paper flowers with valentine stickers to place in the pocket. Adam loved painting his pocket but played with the popsicle sticks and tissue paper instead of actually making the flowers. I eventually took the items to make it myself and he started bawling "Mama took it, Mama took it" (you should have seen the other looks the moms gave me!!!). When the stickers came around (to put on the pockets!), Adam loved sticking them... on himself. Sigh. The important thing, though, is that he loves being in the class, creating art for Grandma.

Having fun at Gymboree!

14. Speaking of Grandma, Adam is crazy about her (nothing new!). He can express it more, though. He runs up to her, yelling "Grandma Grandma Grandma" and wants to be around her (literally right next to her) constantly. His new favorite thing is to cook with Grandma. He insists on being picked up so he can watch her cook. He takes these "cooking classes" very seriously... G-d forbid, you put him down during one! He also talks about Grandma all day. Last night, he heard the wind outside and thought the noise was a fan. Then he said, "There's (a) fan (at) Grandma's House". I asked him what he does at Grandma's and he said "Eat". I asked him what he eats and he replied "EGGS"! (Side Note: It's so cool that I can actually have conversations with him now!) It's so nice to see 2 of my favorite people enjoy each other so much as my Mom & Adam do... it makes me very happy.

15. Adam *loves* the moon & stars. Every late afternoon/early evening, he looks for the moon... "There it is! There's (the) moon"! He'll point to it and grin for a few minutes. He also points to the stars. I tell him that's where Grandpa (my Dad)is (at least I like to believe that's where he is).

16. Steven & I can't wait until spring so we can take Adam outside to play again!!! He's very much an "outdoors" baby. He loves to run around outside, even if it's freezing! We have lots of spring trips planned... Sesame Place (I can't wait to take him there in April or May), Frying Pan Park (county farm/pet zoo that's relatively close & free!), lots of playgrounds, etc. Poor little guy is sick of being cooped up indoors all day... especially in our small townhouse. These long winter days have me yearning for a single family home with a big backyard. Not holding my breath for this to happen anytime soon in this economy. :O(

17. Adam is quite the singer. He can sing these songs -- all by himself, with few errors -- "Baa Baa Black Sheep", Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", "Sing a Song of Sixpence" (Zayde's favorite), "Muffin Man" and, his favorite, The Alphabet Song (or, as he calls it, "ABCD"). He also can sing along to at least 20 more songs. No exaggeration. My friends laugh that I'm "one of those moms" who plays kid music in her car. Believe me, I don't have a choice with Adam... his music (particularly his Barney CD) keeps us both sane in the D.C. traffic!

18. Current loves (people not included): Doggies (always #1), pens/paper to "draw circles", cheerios, apple & orange juice, Barney (he's not a person!), Gymboree, The Play Cafe, walks, ELEVATORS (that's a huge one!), mac & cheese, building a tower with legos or blocks, cooking in his kitchen, playing with pots, pans & other kitchen utensils (the "real ones"), sleeping in a pitch black room at night (this surprises me... he doesn't want his night light on anymore), seeing all animals (esp. dogs... shocker), walks, running around outside, BATHS, exploring anything/everything new, kiddie music, anything he can't/shouldn't have (yep!) and spending time with Mama & Dada. His new thing is to lead Steven & I by our hands to a spot (usually, his playhouse) to "play (with) Adam".

19. Current Dislikes: car seat, stroller, high chair... anything that contains him, getting his face and hair washed, all milk & yogurt products (I really wish he would still drink milk... I've tried everything!!!), & getting dressed (he prefers the naked or diaper look). He expresses his dislikes by saying "No Like It, No Like It!!!", which sounds surprisingly adorable coming from his little mouth. :)

20. Adam started hitting "The Terrible 2s" shortly after he turned one. I am not exaggerating! If Little Love doesn't want to do something or doesn't like something, believe me... he lets you know!!! He started having "real temper tantrums" (the "on the floor, kicking and screaming" ones) last month but they seemed to have stopped (for now, at least). He *loves* being mischievious. He definitely has a glimmer in his eyes. I guess someone joked about this at school because when he knocked over the trash can, he said "bad boy"! He also loves to climb up onto his toy chest (from his puzzle box) so he can climb up on the media center... the toy chest is now in another location, as you can imagine. He also loves to run (grinning ear-to-ear) when he has something he shouldn't have. Even though it's frustrating and tiring, he thinks he is absolutely hilarious when he does something he shouldn't... so it's hard sometimes not to laugh, too. We're working on it, though. He is such a doll (usually) and we would like him to stay that way!!! :)

21. I have always been fascinated with the mother/child bond, particularly the mother/son relationship. I always heard how incredible it was to have a child, how it's a love like no other... so so true. I have never put my needs before anyone like I do with Adam. To say I would do anything for that child is an understatement. Even on days when I'm totally wiped out from his shenanigans (see #20!), I still miss him about 30 minutes after he falls asleep. The other day, when I came home from running errands (Grandma was watching him) he was so happy to see me... we couldn't stop hugging and kissing each other... 100% purely instinctual & unconditional love & affection. What could be better than that?!?

22. Last but certainly not least... as we get closer to Adam's 2nd birthday (6 weeks ago!) I keep wishing that I could do it all over again... start over again with Little Love as a newborn... knowing what I know now... just enjoying him and not worrying so much!!! He was such a sweet, happy, smart & adorable little baby. Of course, he's the most amazing & incredible toddler now ... and I'm so incredibly thankful to G-d every day for blessing us with this miracle... but I still miss his "baby days" sometimes. Hopefully we'll have another baby in the house one day but it won't be *ADAM*. I am hoping to step back & treasure my moments with him in the next six weeks when he still is, technically, a 1-year-old. It's funny... some days (particurly mornings when I'm exhausted) seem to drag on & on... but the days itself come & go so fast. Our days with Adam are filled with so much love & joy... and, the occasional, sheer madness... but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. :o)
Shopping with Mama in his "race car"... always an adventure with this kid! :o)

22 Things -- 22 Months Old (Part ONE)

Facebook has inspired me. After reading the infamous "25 Random Things" lists from at least 50 friends (and writing my own), I have decided to write 22 things about my 22 month old. I had planned on doing this on the day Adam turned 22 months (10 days ago) but have kept procrastinating. Not sure why -- I have notes & everything! :)

22 Things about my 22 Month Old -- Part one (in random order, of course):

1. Adam has been called "Little Love" by my mom and I since his newborn days. When mom & I e-mail, instead of writing "Adam" we actually write "Little Love" or "LL". I also say to Adam "Adam is Mama's ___" and he knows to say "LOVE"! :)

2. Adam still *LOVES* his doggies!!! He now has 5 Gund Spunky Dogs (1 huge, 1 medium, 2 small that bark and 1 tiny rattle one). He calls the tiny rattle one "Baby Doggy" and the huge one "Big Doggy". The rest are simply known as... "Doggy!" Baby Doggy is brown, the rest are blue. We also had a blue Baby Doggy but lost it in Palm Springs. Adam loves ALL things DOGGY. He has several other Doggy stuffed animals, which he also adores... but he HAS to sleep with Doggy and carry Doggy to school with him (usually one for each hand, the small ones still being his favorite). I know I've written way too much about STUFFED DOGS (!!!) but they really are a big part of Adam's life. :)

3. Adam talks in little sentences all the time now. The funniest thing he says is, "What did I do? What did Adam do?" in this hilarious, high pitched voice... like he's totally shocked (and amused) by whatever (usually naughty) thing that he did. For example, he loves books with little tabs that open. He also LOVES to rip off these little tabs and say "I rippped it. Need tape. Adam ripped it". He acts all horrified and shocked when he rips the pieces out even though he knows EXACTLY what he's doing. We've had to take away several books b/c of this. When we give him back the books, the first thing he'll say (and throughout the book) is "No rip it"! He is hysterical.

4. Adam's body type is JUST LIKE STEVEN'S (Dada's). They both have naturally slim body types with a small tush and a BIG BELLY. Adam has always been very skinny... except for his adorable tummy.

5. Adam took himself off the bottle a few weeks ago, right before he turned 22 months. At that time, he was still having 2 bottles (sometimes 3) a day of the Next Step Formula, which he seemed to love. I was always planning on having him completely off the bottle by age 2 (I've kept him on it until now b/c he is on the small side) and was a little concerned about how to go about it. Well, Adam decided one day that he no longer wanted his "baba" ("No Like It!" was his exact phrase and that was that. He quit the bottle cold turkey! Which is great EXCEPT he doesn't like drinking formula or milk in a cup either. The only thing he wants to drink is apple juice (& water if apple juice is unavailable... we limit it to 2 cups a day and it's the watered down, low sugar version, of course). He will not drink smoothies or eat yogurt now, either. However, he will eat cheerios in milk, on occasion, which is great. And messy. I really liked having him on the formula for another month or two since I knew he was getting all his nutrients/vitamins that day but he wasn't going to have it. Did I ever mention that Little Love is *very* opinionated and knows *exactly* what he wants?!?

6. Speaking of food, Adam's favorite foods are fruits & veggies. He loves ALL fruit (incl. applesauce & raisins) and his favorite vegetable are peas. He could eat these all day and be happy. He also loves cheerios, bagels, apple juice (as mentioned above), mac & cheese, Grandma's spaghetti & meatballs, Grandma's turkey meatloaf and anything that Steven and I are eating (HA)! He's not a picky eater (except for the milk!) but he usually eats very small portions. Oh, he also loves the kid-friendly chicken & cheese quesadillas from the Play Cafe. He ate almost an entire adult portion there last week! Another reason why I love the place.

7. Entertainment favorites include:
Books: Goldilocks & The 3 Bears, the Big Word Book, Goodnight Moon (an old favorite that has recently resurfaced again), Goodnight Gorilla, Goodnight Washington D.C. (do you see a theme here?), That's Not my Dinosaur (he loves the bubbles on one page... it's bizarre), & I Love You Through & Through.



TV: Barney (always #1, he even knows the different "On Demand" episodes and requests certain ones... his favorite episode is "Barney -- On the Road/Cars"), Sesame Street, particularly Panwapa (a Sesame Street special) and his new favorite, a cartoon about Kipper, the (British?) dog. He watches about 30-60 minutes a day, usually when he first wakes up and after his nap.

8. Adam seems to love school now even though he'll say "No Annie (his teacher, who he loves) or "No Like It" some mornings. However, he doesn't cry when Steven drops him off and looks happy when I pick him up (even though he does say "HOME" to me immediately... at least he's not literally bolting to the door when he sees me anymore!). His reports are always marked that he's happy (which is a good thing... I still remember the time when "teary" was marked. I got teary myself reading that!)! He loves Miss Annie and Miss Nas and they love him... Miss Nas told me yesterday that Adam is "the best one" in the class... that he's "so smart, so cute, etc"... which, I admit, I loved hearing (who wouldn't?!?)! I'm sure she says this to all the parents, though! Adam adores his friends at school and recites their names, when asked... Jackie, Olivia, Connor, Neila, Rushawn, etc. and can point them all out in photos.

9. Bath time is a favorite again (he's been hot/cold -- pun intended) about bath time since about 8 months old. Currently he loves it and wants to take a bath every single night (instead of every other night). He loves playing with all his bath toys, especially the new bath paints that Zayde bought him. He still likes to stand up in the bath (we always have to remind him to sit down) and hates getting his hair washed (shocker, right?!?).

10. Adam probably has at least 5 play phones. Every time he picks one up (or the real phone) he says "HI BOBBE". Every single time. Bobbe's ears must be ringing all day long! :)

11. Adam loves his sleep (just like his mama & dada)! After a book or two, he'll look at me and say "sleep... in the crib... with doggies... in the corner" (he always sleeps in the corner against the bumpers). He also likes the room pitch black. He thinks the little light on the fire alarm is a star and always points to it and says "star". :) Sometimes I'll check on him at night and if he hears me (which is rare) he'll say "BYE BYE MAMA" and he's serious... he wants me OUT. He does NOT want to be interrupted! It's kinda funny, actually. He'll also say "I love you so much" REALLY fast when he goes to sleep. When he wakes up (after 10 - 11hours), the first thing he'll say (usually) is "Mama". When he hears me open the door, he'll start to gather up his doggies. The first thing he says to me when I open the door is "DOWNSTAIRS. DOWNSTAIRS" and then "Watch Barney on couch". Like I said, the kid knows what he wants!!! I do love watching Barney with him in the AM. He usually snuggles up against me and smells & feels so warm and cuddly.

Stay tuned for Part Two of this list later this week! :)

Hmm... what did Mama write about me this week?

I can't believe Mama wrote that... DELETE!!!

Adam's week in photos :o)

I am working on a fun & lengthy post... will hopefully be able to post the entry by the weekend. In the meantime, here are some recent photos of our past week (hey, those of you who come just for the photos, must be happy)! :o) Also.... these photos are in random, not chronological, order. Just in case you were wondering. :o)

Adam *loves* taking a bath. He has a gazillion cool bath toys including these groovy bath paints from Zayde.

Blowing bubbles with Daddy... still a favorite activity. Adam can blow but not hard enough to get the bubbles out!

My best friend from childhood, Ellie, came for a vist on Saturday. We were so excited to see her! We wish her all the best back in Seattle (we miss you already, E)!

Adam & Grandma... oh, Adam just adores "Grandma! Grandma! Grandma!" ;)

Cooking eggs with Grandma. Adam LOVES to watch us cook and is beginning to cook us meals in his own little (play) kitchen!

Hanging out in the cool sock/slippers that Zayde bought him!

"Ready. Set. Go!"... Adam loves to run through the house... full speed ahead!

Adam was delighted to receive these pegs in the mail from Cousins Evan & Zach. He plays with them constantly.
Anyone notice the CURLS?!? After we wash Adam's hair, his hair becomes ultra curly. It's so cute!

Adam's new art class at Gymboree. If you look closely, you can see the blue paint on his face. :)

Playing at Gymboree -- his new favorite "hang out". Climbing this wall was "hard" (his word) but he kept trying until he did it.

Yay! Adam climbed up the wall and is now taking the easy route (slide) down!

Hope everyone is having a great week!!!